HUNDREDS gathered to pay their final respects to a popular fisherman who died after going missing from his boat.

Father-of-three Alan Dawson Patterson’s body was spotted by holidaymakers off Traeth Benarth, between Barmouth and Harlech, on Tuesday, August 2.

Mr Patterson’s funeral was held at a packed St Werburgh’s Church, Staffordshire, over the weekend.

Reverend Carol Richardson, who conducted the service, said Mr Patterson’s sudden death came as a shock to so many.

Mr Patterson, 63, who ran Autoline Motors in Froghall was well known in Barmouth’s fishing circles and a regular visitor to the Shell Island campsite, near Harlech.

During the service, the Rev Richardson said: “It’s hard for those who knew him well to comprehend his loss while he was enjoying a well-deserved holiday with his wife Susan and some friends,” she said.

“It’s hard to take it in, a man so full of life, so active, has so tragically gone.

“As Susan and the rest of the family spoke to me about Alan the other day I understood how fully engaged he was in all aspects of his life.”

Rev Richardson said Mr Patterson liked fishing, clay pigeon shooting and watching horse racing and he was at Chester Racecourse only days before his death.

“I am told he was a man who knew his own mind. He said what he thought, his decision was final. Yet I am told he had a really dry sense of humour too.”

After the service, a family member said: “We wish to thank everyone for their many kind cards, words of comfort, sympathy and support during this difficult time.”

North Wales Police have launched an inquiry into his death, which is not being treated as suspicious.

Friends say he may have jumped into the water after having problems with his boat's bow-thrust.